Five years ago, a house in our neighbourhood fell down, killing one of the occupants. This was an unusual event, and the impact was felt all over the area. The couple who lived in the house were oldies, like me – but rejuvenated and in excellent health. It was an old house, which they loved, … More No Insurance
This is a story set in the Transition between the Old Earth and the New – the time we’re just about to move into. Pat was the best cleaner Imogen had ever had, so she called her ‘My Treasure,’ imagining it to be a compliment. But Pat knew she was being patronised, and resented it. … More Imogen’s Treasure
An artist called Madeleine has come to live next door. I say next door –it’s actually three kilometres away. Like mine, her house is tucked into a bay in the hillside and surrounded by bush, but it’s much bigger than mine. It’s made of a new synthetic material which is light and strong, and can … More New Neighbour
The children found Danny in the bush. ‘We heard him crying,’ said Tess. ‘But he was fifty kilometres away,’ protested Cleo. ‘Yes. And we heard him crying. So we went to see.’ This is typical of the children. They have no fear, they care about everyone, and will simply take whatever action they think is … More Danny
In the old days, the satellite pictures of North Africa were golden yellow all the way across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Gulf. It was the only place on Earth that looked like that. Well, it doesn’t look like that any more. Its transformation has been a big job and it isn’t finished … More The Sahara Project
I don’t think about my health any more. You don’t, when it’s perfect. My body does everything I want it to do, never gives any problems, has boundless energy, looks great – so health just isn’t an issue. I don’t want to make out that I don’t appreciate what I’ve got – I think we … More Health
My great, great niece came to see me this morning. I was glad to see her. I’d been feeling sad and she always makes me feel good. She sent me a telepathic message yesterday afternoon, suggesting the visit. I said shouldn’t she be in school? But she said oh, it would be fine. And she’s … More Children
The first things I hear in the morning are birdsong and the sound of running water, and sometimes the wind in the trees. Which is only to be expected in the country. But it’s the same when I stay with my partner in the city, because the city doesn’t just belong to the people – … More Sound
My partner is a surfer. I’m that pitiful excuse for a surfer, the boogie-boarder. He swims out to sea and rides the great waves standing up. I stand up to my waist in the sea and ride the smaller waves lying down. But I love it just as much as he does, and it’s something … More The Sea
It’s so different with the animals now, and embarrassing to remember how we used to treat them. A lot of people did beat themselves up about it at first, but it’s silly to refuse to forgive yourself when the animals themselves are forgiving you and wanting to be friends. And we can communicate with them … More The Animals
Dreams of New Earth 